"Wake up, Emily!" Emily, what is wrong? "Why are you crying?" Jake queried, concerned, while gently shaking Emily, who looked to be experiencing terrible thoughts or dreams.
Emily groggily opened her eyes. Squinting, she spotted Jake's troubled expression and his bewildered gaze at her. "Hmm, what happened?" "Did I have a bad dream?" she said innocently.
She could still vividly recollect her dream. She must have felt terrible about concealing her secret from Jake, especially after their extraordinary lovemaking, as she fell asleep in his arms, exhausted.
Fortunately, she just dreamed of telling him she was dying.
Jake was worried when he noticed her having a bad dream. What would happen if it were her turn? How will he handle this? She could only imagine.
***
While they were having breakfast, Emily once again brought up the bucket list. "So, I made a list of things I wanted to do. Since you agreed, I want to show it to you. Who knows, you might want to complete some of it." She banters, but in truth, she's wishing he would complete some of it with her.
Jake opened the paper, examining the contents with rising determination.
The list contained essential yet meaningful items:
1] Visit Disneyworld with Aiden.
2. Taking Aiden on a trip across the world
3] Attend Aiden's school plays.
4] Pursuing my passion???
5] Reconnecting with old friends.
6] Ensuring Aiden's future with a legal guardian
7] A romantic candlelit supper for???
8] Receive the most romantic proposal from??
9] Marry in the most romantic ways with???
10] Letting go of everything and embracing the end.
Jake's determination strengthened as he read through each item.
"I simply don't see why I can't be there with you when you accomplish all of this. And what's with all these question marks? Why don't you put my name in there? I will not let you confront this alone."
Emily smiled through her tears, a sensation of calm settling over her.
"I knew I could depend on you; I'm not going through it alone; Aiden will be with me the entire time. And...if" she meant he wanted to come once in a while to satisfy some of her requests, that was OK. However, she could not bring herself to say it.
***
Days stretched into weeks as Emily, Aunty Ofelia, Uncle Earl, and Aiden prepared to begin their trek to complete the bucket list.
Each occurrence would bring them closer together, repairing the rifts in their relationship.
They would spend their mornings watching sunrises, with the sky tinted orange and pink to symbolize new beginnings. They would go to the beach, build sandcastles, and gather seashells while giggling at the breaking waves.
They intended to see locations they had never been to so Emily might feel deeply grateful for her life and family.
They understand that not all situations are easy. There were days when Emily's situation weighed heavily on them, making even the most fundamental duties appear overwhelming.
Aiden would be her rock in such situations, offering unwavering support and comfort. She'd rely on him and her loved ones for support.
Emily felt satisfied as the stars twinkled in the night sky, something she had never experienced before.
She had faced her fears, restored her relationship with Jake, and desired to leave a legacy of love for Aiden.
With Jake by his side, she was convinced that optimism and tenacity would get them through, even in the face of impending disaster.
In the following days, they surmounted the difficulties Emily's leaving had caused, and each one strengthened their relationship and brought them closer together.
Although the revelation that Jake was Aiden's father first rocked their world, it ultimately brought them closer than they could have imagined.
Emily took a minute to reflect on their intended trip when they sat together one afternoon, contemplating the following stages of their relationship with M. Entertainment and MY Group.
"Thank you, Jake, for being there when I needed you most. "I learned much about family values, acceptance, and forgiveness from the experience."
Jake met her gaze with unwavering support and nodded. "Despite everything we have endured, we continue to stand. It is the most important thing.
Emily felt a calmness wash over her, and she smiled.
"Regardless of what happens, I want you and Aiden to understand how much you mean to me. You gave me strength when I didn't have any, and I'll be eternally thankful."
Jake leaned out and gently brushed a piece of hair off her face.
"And you've given us far more than you realize. We will continue your legacy by recognizing what you have done and are. Fulfill your bucket list. When you are finished, return home, and I will be waiting for you."
***
The day she eventually arrived, Emily was busy preparing for her trip to Europe, and her excitement was palpable. Aiden was also quite excited.
He had always longed to travel with his mother and experience the world outside their comfortable surroundings.
Back in Country B, their house was small, with little to see. The opportunity to travel with his mother was the best thing in the world.
Uncle Earl and Aunty Ofelia, Emily's long-time family companions, joyfully joined her adventure and encouraged her. They were like family to her, and their encouragement made the journey ahead look even more promising.
Emily was both delighted and worried as she packed her baggage for what would undoubtedly be a life-changing journey.
She had a detailed itinerary, beginning with Italy and Rome and continuing with excursions to Paris, Tuscan vineyards, and Florence's art-filled streets.
She wanted a fresh perspective to help her escape the drama and pressures of her life in Las Vegas.
However, she also knew this trip would provide additional challenges and temptations, particularly after learning that Jeb Lewis would travel to Europe for a theater production.
She avoids seeing him as much as possible.
As a result, she contacted Eve Young to find out the drama's schedule to avoid them at all costs.